KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24: Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) has agreed to review the price of imported white rice (BPI) to be sold at a lower price, says Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this would provide an alternative for the people to obtain rice at a more affordable price.
He said despite the supply and price of local white rice in the domestic market being under control, the government has received complaints regarding its limited supply.
“The people are affected by the increase in prices of imported white rice in the global market due to export bans imposed by rice-producing countries.
“Therefore, the Madani government’s intervention is very critical at this time and it needs to be resolved promptly to ensure the issue of supply and price of essential food items for the people remain stable in the market,” he said in a statement after chairing the special meeting of the Nation Action Council for Cost of Living (NACCOL) yesterday (Feb 23).
At the same time, Anwar said the NACCOL meeting has heard the detailed explanation regarding the proposed implementation of Beras Putih Malaysia Madani.
“After listening and taking into account all views, the meeting decided that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) should lead and coordinate the engagement session in more detail as soon as possible.
“This engagement needs to take into account the purchase price of rice, supply factors, world rice import prices, the sustainability of local rice supply and the impact on consumers.
“I also instructed that the outcome of this engagement be presented and finalised in the NACCOL Meeting on March 20, 2024 before being brought up for the consideration of the Federal Cabinet,” he added.
Meanwhile, he requested the expansion of sales programmes such as Jualan Rahmah and Jualan Agro Madani to facilitate the people in purchasing daily necessities including rice at lower prices. — DayakDaily
